I am often asked how Valentine's Day is celebrated in my classroom. I prefer to have small, low key holiday parties without a lot (or any) parent help.
The key to a stress free Valentine's Day is to only have the children write who his or her valentine is FROM. I make sure this information is in my newsletter at the beginning of February! I also do not ask for anything from parents for our party.
On Valentine's Day, we distribute valentines in this way:
- Students sit in a U shape on the rug
- Each child brings their valentines and sets them behind their back
- Students put their open valentine bag (that we made in class) in front of them
- With my own valentines, I model how to start at one end of the U and put one valentine in every bag
- Two to three children distribute their valentines in this way until everyone has had a turn
This system works like a charm! I have noticed that since Pinterest has been popular, my student's valentine bags need to be plenty big. Just about every valentine has candy included or is a cute Pinterest creation. Don't forget to make a valentine bag for yourself!
After all valentines are distributed, the kids are off to their tables to have fun looking at all their valentines and I usually let them eat two or three treats. One year a student told me that "this was the best day ever"! No huge party needed for plenty of fun!
